Bowlby Family Organisation 2020

Boulby Family Reunion UK

Reunion Itinerary:

In 1506 our common ancestor, Rychard Bolbie, was born in Griff Parish near Helmsley in North Yorkshire. The village saw hundreds of years of changes and so have we as a family. In a time when, thanks to the internet and social media, the world is getting smaller. It seems fitting that we should come back together as a family in the same place as our earliest documented ancestor. Griff Parish is now just a field with rocks and a tree but the connection to that field for our family is strong. The town of Helmsley is also a strong connection with several generations being born, growing up, growing old and dying in Helmsley Castle. This reunion sees us stepping in our ancestors’ footsteps in Helmsley, Griff and Rievaulx. Stay at The Feathers Hotel in Helmsley. Visit Helmsley Castle and Griff, Rievaulx Abbey and Duncombe Park. Whitby for those with mariner blood and Belvoir Castle where the Dukes of Rutland live. A 3 course Medieval Banquet with all the fun of the Medieval Court. These are just some of the things which are in store for our 3 or 5 day reunion options. Registration info is here.

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Thursday 10th September 2020 - Arrival and Book in. Welcoming drinks, dinner and introduction.

Friday 11th September 2020 - Guided tour of Helmsley Castle with a picnic in the castle ruins. This can take as long as you would like. Have a stroll in the old church or look over the courtyard from the old Manor house. History is soaked into every fibre of the castle. Tonight’s event is a presentation by the team running The Boulby Mine and Underground Laboratories. This should be really interesting with history of the mine and nearby Village of Boulby. Fascinating facts about their current research into ‘Dark Matter’ and finally what the future holds for the mine.

Saturday 12th September 2020- Rievaulx Abbey and Griff Farm is our destination today. There is little left of the farm which was built on the site in the 1800’s and the village site is little more than lumps and bumps but the atmosphere and connection to the site is unmistakable. In the evening a 3 course Medieval Banquet will be held in the Castle ruins. There will be jesters, entertainers, minstrels and authentic medieval cuisine.

Sunday 13th September 2020- After breakfast we will depart for Whitby on the East Coast of Yorkshire. There are several ancestors whose passion for the sea brought them to the coast and to Whitby (pictured below) in particular. The Boulby family had a big influence on the town and the surrounding area. There is the Old Boulby Manor still in existence and there will be a guided tour of the Whitby Museum. I don’t know if any Boulby’s sailed on The Endeavour, but we will. Finishing off with a visit to Whitby Abbey. Lunch and dinner will be to your own tastes. There will be a farewell in the bar of the hotel to say goodbye to those who are departing on Monday. The evening activity is genealogy. The experts on our roots may be able to help you answer those burning questions.

Monday 14th September 2020- Departure for those attending 3 day reunion. Day trip to Belvoir Castle, current home of the Manners family, the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. There will be a warm welcome for attendees with tea, coffee, cakes on arrival and a guided tour of the Castle and full access to the Grounds. On return to Helmsley, Attendees are free to do their own choice of activity and evening meal.

Tuesday 15th September 2020- I have left this option open to the majority. We can either visit the North Yorkshire County Archives, which houses all parish records for the North Yorkshire Area, or have a day in York. You can amble on the Shambles or view the beauty of York Minster. If you can indicate on your booking sheet which you would prefer, the activity with the most votes will be our activity for the day. Either way, a packed lunch will be provided and the evening meal will be back in Helmsley.

Wednesday 16th September 2020- Departure for all remaining attendees. Safe journey and I hope you have all enjoyed your visit and will look forward to seeing all your pics later.